6 More Charts Added to 'Prediction Data' Page

Performance data for Tiger Woods ahead of the 2012 Arnold Palmer Invitational with new chart links in the 'Played' row

Chart of Tiger Woods' career performance up to the 2012 Arnold Palmer Invitational with his incredible win percentage! (click to enlarge)

I am happy to announce the addition of six new pop-up charts to the 'Prediction Data' page on Golf Predictor. These new charts show the performance breakdown (wins/other top tens/missed cuts/non-finishes/finishes) up to the current tournament for each golfer in the field for each of the following:

1. Season to date
2. Last 5 results that season
3. Last 5 years on the same course
4. Last 5 years at the same tournament
5. Last 12 similar tournaments
6. Career since 2003

The first screenshot above shows the new links in the 'Played' row of the Performance panel for Tiger Woods ahead of the 2012 Arnold Palmer Invitational. The second screenshot above shows the new pop-up chart for his career performance since 2003. This chart shows graphically Woods' incredible performance in that period, winning over a quarter of the tournaments he played in and finishing in the top ten (including wins) almost two thirds of the time*. Some notes on the new charts:

1. In the performance statistics on the Prediction Data page, wins are also counted as top tens (which they are!). However, it made sense to separate wins and top tens for charting purposes.
2. Zero values are excluded from the chart for legibility. This because the charting technology used in Golf Predictor tends to put the zero labels right on top of each other! The zero values are noted above the chart instead.
3. These new charts are only available for prediction data after top ten tracking was introduced to Golf Predictor (2008 season, week 43).
4. As usual, hovering over a pie slice shows more information, as shown in the second screenshot above. 
5. The chart link is not available if there is no data to plot e.g. no course history for the chosen golfer.

These six new charts bring the total number of charts on the site crashing through the 300 barrier to 304! That's quite a milestone to reach for charting. These new charts are available to all users, although only for the golfers you are permitted to view (all golfers for subscribers, those ranked 11-25 for non-subscribers). So, sign up today to get the most out of Golf Predictor, the premier US and European PGA Tour statistics site.


**Since he ended up winning the 2012 Arnold Palmer Invitational, these stats are now even more impressive ahead of his next outing at The Masters!

2012 - Week 13 Predictions/Statistics Online

The predictions and statistics for this week, the Sicilian Open (European PGA Tour) and the Shell Houston Open (US PGA Tour), are now available on Golf Predictor. With seven of the top twenty in the world, there's a  pretty strong field in Houston for a final tune up before The Masters next week. As to be expected, the field in Sicily is not as impressive, but it does have young Matteo Manasssero headlining the event.

2012 - Week 12 Winners

Michael Hoey (ranked 13th by Golf Predictor) won the Trophee Hassan II on the European PGA Tour. The 33 year old Northern Irishman won his fourth tour title with a fantastic display over the last two rounds at the weather affected tournament. Hoey finished 65-65 (-14) to win from fellow Irishman Damian McGrane by three shots. Our top ranked player, Francesco Molinari, finished in tied 17th and we had six of the top fourteen plus ties (6/16).

Tiger Woods (ranked 2nd by Golf Predictor) won the Arnold Palmer Invitational pres. by Mastercard on the US PGA Tour. The fourteen time major winner finally got the winless monkey off his back with his seventh victory at the event. Woods even managed to look happy on the final hole and was even personable during his post round interview. Our top ranked player, Justin Rose, faded over the weekend to finish in tied 15th and we had seven of the top fifteen plus ties (7/19).

Announcement Box Added to Golf Predictor

New announcement box under the menu on GP pages

An announcement box has been added to Golf Predictor. As shown above, this box appears below the menu on all pages and will be used to alert users who do not regularly read the Golf Predictor blog or follow Golf Predictor on Twitter (shame on you!!) for a set period of time. This box will mostly be used to announce new features or other important user information and will disappear after a number of days (depending on the importance of the message). The inaugural use is for the announcement of the new metrics and charts added to the 'Compare Form' page yesterday and will disappear after a few days.

More Stats & 36 Charts Added to 'Compare Golfer Form' Page

R1 form comparison for 3 big guns in their Last 10 events prior to the 2012 WGC - Cadillac Champ. Click chart to enlarge.

R1 Line chart for the same 3 big guns. Click chart to enlarge.

R1 Stacked chart for the same 3 big guns. Click chart to enlarge.

I am delighted to announce the addition of a myriad of new statistics and charts to the 'Compare Golfer Form' page on Golf Predictor. Hitherto now, the recently added 'Compare Golfer Form' featured only one metric (finishing position) that could be analysed over the previous ten results for the selected golfer(s) for all tournaments, historical (course/tournament) and similar tournaments (Reg./Major/WGC/FedEx). However, as the first screenshot above shows, you can now select one of seven different metrics to analyse for your chosen golfer(s). These seven metrics are:

1. Finishing Position (previously available metric)
2. Round 1 Score
3. Round 2 Score
4. Round 3 Score
5. Final Round Score (round 5 score for five round events, else round 4 score*)
6. Made Cut
7. Score

Each of these metrics can be viewed for 3 tournament types listed above (all/historical/similar) using the renamed 'Scope' drop-down box shown in the first screenshot above. That gives a grand total of 21 different combinations.  Some notes on the amended 'Compare Golfer Form' page:

1. The Scope drop-down box does not now auto-reload the page. Neither does the new Metric drop-down box. This allows you to select your desired combination of both boxes before seeing the results. However, you must now explicitly press the 'Compare Golfers' button to show those results.
2. The pop up text for T1-T10 and the golfer first names has been updated to show more information for all metrics.The T1 pop-up text for Phil Mickelson is shown in the first screenshot above.
3. The average and standard deviation values are not available for the made cut or score metrics.

Six of the seven metrics have associated line charts (for all 3 scope options), available from the line chart link above the golfer information. The exception is the 'Made Cut' metric, which isn't suitable for such a chart. The second screenshot above shows the 'Round 1' chart for the selection in the first screenshot. For legibility purposes, you may view a line chart for up to a maximum of five selected golfers. All seven of the metrics also now feature stacked charts (for all 3 scope options), which are a welcome new addition to Golf Predictor. These stacked charts allow the metric data to be categorised and displayed for each golfer in a concise and informative manner. They are available via the stacked chart link above the golfer information. The third screenshot above shows the 'Round 1' stacked chart for the selection in the first screenshot. You may view a stacked chart for up to the maximum of ten selected golfers as there are no legibility concerns in this case.

Overall, that makes a total of 21 new stacked charts and 15 new line charts (there were 3 charts already available) on the 'Compare Golfer Form' page. This total of 36 new charts is (as far as I recall!) the most ever added to Golf Predictor in one go and helps make this page extremely useful for comparing golfers.Some notes on the new charts:

1. When clicked, the line chart and stacked chart icons will show the appropriate charts, depending on your choice of metric and score.
2. 101 is used as the default in round charts for non-applicable rounds e.g. for match play events, not enough matching events, non-finishes or  a missed cut. This was done to format the charts as well as possible and can be seen above in the two peaks in the second screenshot.
3. Similarly, -40 is the default for non-applicable scores in the Finishing Score charts.
4. Because of the above, line charts with a lot of non-applicable rounds for more than one golfer will not chart very well. However, stacked charts are not affected as they use a separate category for non-applicable values.
5. Par scores on Finishing Score charts are charted as '0' and over par scores are shown without the "+" sign in front of them. The latter is due to a limitation with the charting technology used in Golf Predictor.
6. As usual, hovering over a point/bar segment will show more information. This is shown for Tiger Woods in the last two screenshots above.

A lot of work has gone in to this page to provide all these useful golfer comparison charts and charts, which make Golf Predictor even better! These 36 new charts bring the total number of charts on the site to 298. However, like other premium features, these charts are only available to subscribers. So, sign up today to get the most out of Golf Predictor, the premier US and European PGA Tour statistics site.


* Weather shortened events are not included as golfers are often not aware that they are playing the final round in such cases.

2012 - Week 12 Predictions/Statistics Online

The predictions and statistics for this week, the Trophee Hassan II (European PGA Tour) and the Arnold Palmer Invitational pres. by Mastercard (US PGA Tour), are now available on Golf Predictor. There's a  pretty strong field (nine of the top twenty in the world) in Orlando as the first major of the season looms large on the horizon! Even Tiger Woods belatedly added Bay Hill to his schedule as part of his Masters preparations. It will be interesting to see if he can compete after the latest injury scare which forced him out of the WGC - Cadillac Championship just over a week ago. He has won several times at Arnie's tournament, so if his achilles holds up, he has every chance! The field is unsurprisingly not as strong in Morocco, where only one of the top fifty in the world is competing. I had a good time interacting with the golfers at last year's event, but unfortunately, I'm staying at home this year!

2012 - Week 11 Winners

Julien Quesne (ranked 54th by Golf Predictor) won the Open de Andalucia Costa del Sol on the European PGA Tour. The 31 year old French man won his maiden tour title in impressive fashion, finishing with a course record equalling 64 (-8) to win by two shots. Our top ranked player, Robert Rock, finished in tied 17th and we had thirteen of the top twenty plus ties (13/25).

Luke Donald (ranked 1st by Golf Predictor) won the Transitions Championship on the US PGA Tour. The 34 year old Englishman regained the world number one spot by prevailing in a four man play-off with a birdie at the first extra hole. Ernie Els let a great chance of victory (and making The Masters) slip by finishing poorly and ending up one shot out of the play-off. His post round interview is one of the most painful to watch I've ever seen and shouldn't have been broadcast (see it here.). Including the winner, we had thirteen of the top twenty plus ties (13/28).

2012 - Week 11 Predictions Rerun for Open de Andalucia Costa del Sol

I have had to update all the predictions for the Open de Andalucia Costa del Sol on Golf Predictor as the top ranked player, Paul Lawrie, has withdrawn from the event due to injury. Since Lawrie was also the top world ranked player in the field, his absence has affected the GP Score (probability of winning) for all the remaining players in the field. I have rerun the prediction engine with the very latest entry list for the event. Note that you may have to reload/refresh the page to see the new rankings.

2012 - Week 11 Predictions/Statistics Online

The predictions and statistics for this week, the Open de Andalucia Costa del Sol (European PGA Tour) and the Transitions Championship (US PGA Tour), are now available on Golf Predictor. After three weeks without a tournament of their own, the European journeymen must be anxious to get back into action! They shall have the event all to themselves too, as there are no big names playing in Spain. However, five of the top ten in the world are teeing it up in Florida, led by recently deposed as world number one, Luke Donald. I'm sure the Englishman will be doing his best to reclaim his crown!

2012 - Week 10 Winners

Justin Rose (ranked 17th by Golf Predictor) won the WGC - Cadillac Championship on the European/US PGA Tour. The 31 year old Englishman won his first WGC title by a shot from Bubba Watson, who became the latest player to let a final day lead slip. However, Rose's win was overshadowed by the withdrawal of Tiger Woods on the 12th on Sunday with yet more injury woes (left achilles this time, apparently). Hopefully it won't be too serious and he'll be back in time for The Masters. Our top ranked player, Rory McIlroy, overcame a disappointing opening round to finish tied 3rd and we had eleven of the top seventeen plus ties (11/19).

George McNeill (ranked 10th by Golf Predictor) won the Puerto Rico Open pres. by seepuertorico.com on the US PGA Tour. The 36 year old American won his second tour title in style, breaking out of a logjam with 3 closing birdies to win by two shots. Our top ranked player, Ryo Ishikawa, finished in 2nd and we had seven of the top fourteen plus ties (7/19*).


*Kris Blanks didn't play, thus promoting Ben Curtis into the top 19.

Chart Display on 'Compare Golfers' Page Enhanced

Compare Golfer  Chart (Season Average) for 7 top golfers ahead of the 2012 WGC - Cadillac Championship (Click chart to enlarge)

The 17 charts on the 'Compare Golfers' page on Golf Predictor have been updated to use the modal display used for the charts on data pages. As can be seen above, the charts now pop up over the 'Compare Golfers' page, rather than opening on a new web page. To fit all the information on the smaller pop-up panel, some minor adjustments were made to the charts:

1. The format of the golfer names on the x-axis of the chart has been changed from 'Firstname Lastname' to 'Firstname initial Lastname' e.g. Phil Mickelson is now displayed as P Mickelson. The hover text on each chart bar still shows the full name of the golfer, as shown in the screenshot above.
2. When there is at least one golfer with no data for the chart, the hover text for such golfers is now displayed when you hover over the word "here" (highlighted in green) in the text above the chart. This word can be seen in the chart above for Paul Casey and is only displayed when there is at least one golfer with a zero value.

Just another way to make Golf Predictor a little better!

Golf Predictor Subscriptions to Increase on May 26th

Friday, May 25th next will mark the fourth anniversary of Golf Predictor going live. It will also mark the last day of the current subscription fee structure. To combat inflation and to reflect the large amount of extra features added to the site* since the momentous day in 2008, I have regretfully had to increase the subscription fees for the first time. The new fee structure from May 26th next will be:

Period	Old Fee	New Fee
1 month	€5.99	€7.99
3 Months	€16.99	€21.99
6 Months	€31.99	€41.99
12 Months	€54.99	€75.99

Golf Predictor will still represent excellent value for money as a resource for your European/US PGA Tour statistical needs. You will still be able to subscribe (or top up an existing subscription) at the existing price before that date to get the most bang for your buck! So, sign up today to get the most value out of Golf Predictor, the premier US and European PGA Tour statistics site.


 *As documented in the 129 posts in the 'Enhancement' section of this blog (selectable on the right hand side of this page).

Charts Added to 'Compare Golfer Form' Page on Golf Predictor

Compare Golfer Form Chart (all events) for 5 golfers ahead of the 2012 Mayakoba Golf Classic

Three charts have been added to the 'Compare Golfer Form' page on Golf Predictor. These new charts are graphical versions of the data displayed in the table i.e. the last ten results for the selected golfer(s) for all tournaments, historical (course/tournament) and similar tournaments (Reg./Major/WGC/FedEx).

The screenshot above shows all tournaments chart ahead of the recent 2012 Mayakoba Golf Classic for Chad Campbell, Charles Howell III, Kevin Tway, Boo Weekley and Oscar Serna. Some points to note about these new charts:

1. Like the changes made several months ago to the charts on data pages, these charts pop up in a dialogue box on the 'Compare Golfer Form' page. This is shown in the screenshot above.
2. The most recent events are shown on the right hand side of the chart.
3. Even though you can select up to ten golfers on the 'Compare Golfer Form' page, you can only see the charts when up to five golfers are selected. This is for the simple reason of legibility. Any more than five golfers and the graph becomes very hard to read (trust me!). I recommend viewing for no more than three golfers who have enough data for charts (see below).
4. Some golfers may have no relevant data or only one data point. In either of these cases, they are excluded from the chart and you are informed above the chart. This is shown in the screenshot above for Oscar Serna, who only had one relevant result (a 92nd place finish).
5. Some golfers may not have ten relevant results. In this case, the chart will show however many results there are from the right hand side (as long as there are at least two). This is shown in the screenshot above for Kevin Tway (green line).
6. As usual, you can hover over a graph point to display more information. This is shown above, again for Kevin Tway. Note that due to a limitation of the charting control used on Golf Predictor, it was not possible to have different tournament names for different golfers for the same point on the x-axis (e.g. for T1, T2, T3 etc). For that reason, the hover text reads (from the right) "last (historical/similar) tournament", "second last (historical/similar) tournament" etc, depending on the chart.

Just another way to make Golf Predictor even better! These three new charts bring the total number of charts on the site to 262. However, like other premium features, these charts are only available to subscribers. So, sign up today to get the most out of Golf Predictor, the premier US and European PGA Tour statistics site.

2012 - Week 10 Predictions/Statistics Online

The predictions/statistics for this week, the WGC - Cadillac Championship (European/US PGA Tour) and the Puerto Rico Open pres. by seepuertorico.com (US PGA Tour), are now available on Golf Predictor. Like last year, it's the third week in a row that the European PGA Tour doesn't have its own tournament. However, the US PGA Tour are once again picking up the slack by hosting a separate event. While all the big names (including the entire top fifty in the world rankings again this year) will be teeing it up at Doral, it's the usual second string line up for the Puerto Rican tournament.

2012 - Week 9 Winner

Rory McIlroy (ranked 1st by Golf Predictor) won the Honda Classic on the US PGA Tour. The 22 year old Holywood native became the first ever Irish world number one by holding off a hard charging Tiger Woods to win his third US PGA Tour title. Despite Woods showing some familiar form of old with an almost perfect finishing round of 62 (-8), McIlroy showed admirable resolve to prevail by two shots. That was thanks in large part to some excellent scrambling, particularly on the back nine on Sunday. Including the winner, we had seven or eight of the top twelve plus ties (7 or 8/15*) .


*Due to a combination of withdrawals and late entrants performing well, it is possible to claim 7 or 8!